Foot support for a patient support

ABSTRACT

A patient support including a frame, a head portion, a foot portion and a seat portion. The foot portion includes a removable foot section and laterally spaced foot supports configured to define a central opening therebetween. The foot supports are configured to move about a substantially vertical axis and about a substantially horizontal axis. A position adjustment mechanism is provided for locking the foot supports in desired positions relative to the frame. A light assembly is supported by the foot portion. Likewise, calf supports are coupled to the foot supports and are adjustable between storage and use positions. An actuator is provided to move the head portion relative to the seat and foot portions. A release system is coupled to the actuator to facilitate rapid lowering of the head portion of the patient support.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication Serial No. 60/209,053, filed Jun. 2, 2000, and U.S.Provisional Application Serial No. 60/219,221, filed Jul. 18, 2000, thedisclosures of which are expressly incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to patient supports such ashospital beds, carts, chairs, and stretchers. More particularly, thepresent invention relates to foot portions and to support surfacerelease systems of patient supports.

[0003] Hospital beds and other patient supports are often provided withlaterally spaced adjustable foot supports positioned proximate a seatsection. The seat section and the foot supports are configured to definea central opening therebetween. An example of such a patient support isdisclosed in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 6,226,821, which is assigned to theassignee of the present invention and is expressly incorporated byreference herein.

[0004] While such prior art patient supports provide caregivers withimproved access to a patient's pelvic region, there remains a need forimprovements to conventional foot supports. More particularly, there isa need for foot supports including improved adjustment mechanisms. Thereis a further need for foot supports providing increased visibility ofthe patient's pelvic region.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The patient support or bed of the present invention includes aframe supporting a patient support including a head portion, a seatportion, and a foot portion, wherein the seat portion is positionedintermediate the head portion and the foot portion. The foot portionincludes a foot section and laterally spaced foot supports. The footsupports are configured for a first movement about a substantiallyvertical axis and a second movement about a substantially horizontalaxis. Each foot support includes first and second frame sections, aflexible housing section extending between the frame sections, a footpanel coupled to the second frame section, a handle coupled to thesecond frame section, and a position adjustment mechanism. The positionadjustment mechanism facilitates movement of the foot panel relative tothe frame about the substantially vertical axis and the substantiallyhorizontal axis.

[0006] The position adjustment mechanism includes a handle, first andsecond clutches, first and second linkages extending between the handleand the first and second clutches, respectively, and a spring forbiasing the second frame section upwardly about the substantiallyhorizontal axis.

[0007] The clutches may be positioned in an engaged position whereinrelative movement of the foot panel and the frame is not permitted and adisengaged position wherein relative movement is permitted. Moving thehandle in a first direction about a pivot axis moves the first andsecond linkages which, in turn, moves the first and second clutches fromtheir engaged positions to their disengaged positions.

[0008] A light assembly is coupled to at least one of the foot supports.The light assembly includes a base bracket, a light source, an armextending between the base bracket and the light source, and a powercord. The base bracket includes a base and an arm coupler that receivesand releasably holds the arm. The arm includes a flexible portion and auniversal joint coupling a light housing to the flexible portion.

[0009] The foot portion includes a removable foot section having anupper surface that faces upwardly toward a patient lying on the footportion, and a lower or storage surface facing downwardly away from thepatient. Retainers are coupled to storage surface and are configured toreleasably retain the arm of the light assembly.

[0010] In a further embodiment of the patient support of the presentinvention, calf supports are coupled to the foot supports to move withand relative to the foot supports. Each calf support includes a footsupport coupler, an arm, a calf holder, and a calf holder couplerpositioned intermediate the calf holder and the arm. The arm and thecalf holder of the calf supports are movable relative to the footsupports about a pivot axis between a storage position and a useposition. A detent interacts with a rod supporting the calf holderthrough the arm to control movement thereof. Moreover, the arm is lockedin position relative to the foot support coupler in the storage and usepositions by the interaction of the detent and apertures formed in therod.

[0011] In a further embodiment of the patient support of the presentinvention, an actuator is provided to move the head portion betweenraised and lowered positions relative to the seat portion. A releasesystem interacts with the actuator to provide another mechanism in orderto lower the head portion. The release system includes an actuatorcoupler, first and second handles, first and second cables extendingbetween the actuator coupler and the first and second handles,respectively, and first and second springs. The actuator includes arelease switch and the actuator coupler is coupled to this releaseswitch. Actuation of the release switch releases the force exerted bythe actuator on the head portion so that the head portion may move fromits raised position to its lowered position.

[0012] Additional features of the disclosure will become apart to thoseskilled in the art upon consideration of the following detaileddescription when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The detailed description particularly refers to the accompanyingfigures in which:

[0014]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a patient support having a headsection, a seat section, a foot section, and two foot supportspositioned under the foot section;

[0015]FIG. 2 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 1 showing the footsection removed to expose the foot supports and that the foot supportsare movable;

[0016]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one of the foot supports showing alight source coupled to the foot support;

[0017]FIG. 4. is a bottom plan view of the foot support of FIG. 3, witha housing of the foot support removed for clarity, showing a positionadjustment mechanism of the foot support;

[0018]FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view similar to FIG. 4 showing the footsupport being movable between first (phantom lines) and second (solidlines) rotational positions;

[0019]FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of the foot support showing thefoot support in a substantially horizontal position;

[0020]FIG. 7 is a side elevation view similar to FIG. 6 showing aportion of the foot support being movable between substantiallyhorizontal (phantom lines) and raised (solid lines) positions;

[0021]FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the footsupport and a portion of the light source;

[0022]FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 8,illustrating the arm inserted into the bracket;

[0023]FIG. 10 is an elevation view of the light source coupled to astorage surface of the foot section of the bed;

[0024]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment patientsupport having a head portion, a seat portion, and a foot portion, thefoot portion including a foot section and two foot supports positionedunder the foot section;

[0025]FIG. 12 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 11 showing the footsection removed to expose the foot supports and the patient supportfurther including a calf support positioned under each foot support;

[0026]FIG. 13 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 12 showing each ofthe foot supports being rotated outwardly about a substantially verticalaxis and upwardly about a substantially horizontal axis;

[0027]FIG. 14 is a perspective view of one of the calf supports of FIG.13 showing the calf support including a foot support coupler, a calfholder, an arm extending from the foot support coupler toward the calfholder, and another coupler positioned between the arm and the calfholder and the arm and calf holder of the calf support being movablebetween a storage position (phantom lines) and a use position (solidlines);

[0028]FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of the foot supportcoupler and a portion of the arm of the calf support;

[0029]FIG. 16 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 14 showing the calfholder of the calf support being rotated from a storage position(phantom lines) to a use position (solid lines);

[0030]FIG. 17 is an elevational view, with portions cutaway, of thecoupler and portions of the arm and calf holder showing the couplercoupling the arm to the calf holder;

[0031]FIG. 18 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 13 showing the calfsupports in their use position;

[0032]FIG. 19 is a perspective view, similar to FIG. 15, of analternative foot support coupler and a portion of the arm of the calfsupport;

[0033]FIG. 20 is a perspective view, with portions cutaway, of thepatient support shown in FIG. 11 showing the patient support including aframe, a support surface, and a release system;

[0034]FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a portion of the release systemof FIG. 20; and

[0035]FIG. 22 is a perspective view, with portions cutaway, similar toFIG. 20, showing the release system being actuated to lower the headportion of the support surface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] A hospital bed 10 including a frame 12 supporting a patientsupport including a head portion 14, a seat portion 16, and a footportion 18, is shown in FIG. 1. The head portion 14 is spaced apart fromfoot portion 18 by seat portion 16. As described in greater detailbelow, the portions 14, 16, 18 may be articulated for movement relativeto each other. The foot portion 18 includes a foot section 20 andlaterally spaced apart foot supports 22, 24, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.In the illustrated embodiment, the hospital bed 10 is a birthing bed,and foot section 20 is selectively removable from the remainder ofhospital bed 10 to provide access to a patient on bed 10 as shown inFIG. 2. When the foot section 20 is coupled to the remainder of bed 10,the foot supports 22, 24 are positioned under or below foot section 20as shown in FIG. 1. Removal of the foot section 20 exposes the footsupports 22, 24 as shown in FIG. 2.

[0037] The foot supports 22, 24 are movable about a substantiallyvertical axis 26 in directions 28, 30 and a substantially horizontalaxis 32 in directions 34, 36, as shown in FIG. 2, so that the footsupports 22, 24 may be placed in a desired position. Each foot support22, 24 includes first and second frame sections 38, 40, a flexiblehousing section 42 extending between frame sections 38, 40, a foot panel44 coupled to second frame section 40, a handle 46 coupled to secondframe section 40, and position adjustment mechanism 48. The foot panel44 is formed to include a recess 50 sized and shaped to receive apatient's foot.

[0038] The position adjustment mechanism 48 permits foot panel 44 tomove relative to frame 12 about axes 26, 32 in directions 28, 30, 34, 36so that the foot panel 44 may be positioned to receive a patient's footin recess 50. As shown in FIG. 4, the position adjustment mechanism 48includes a handle 52, first and second clutches 54, 56, first and secondlinkages 58, 60 extending between handle 52 and first and secondclutches 54, 56, respectively, and a spring 62.

[0039] The clutches 54, 56 may be positioned in an engaged positionwherein relative movement of the foot panel 44 and frame 12 is notpermitted and a disengaged position wherein relative movement ispermitted. For example, when first clutch 54 is disengaged, the footpanel 44 is permitted to move relative to frame 12 about the verticalaxis 26, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, and when the second clutch 56 isdisengaged, foot panel 44 is permitted to move relative to the frame 12about the horizontal axis 32 as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0040] To move the clutches 54, 56 between the engaged and disengagedpositions, the caregiver moves the handle 52 of position adjustmentmechanism 48 in directions 64, 66 about a pivot axis 68. As previouslymentioned, handle 52 is coupled to the first and second linkages 58, 60which are coupled to the first and second clutches 54, 56, respectively.In preferred embodiments, the clutches 54, 56 are normally in theengaged position and the handle 52 must be moved by the caregiver indirection 64 to disengage the clutches 54, 56. Moving the handle 52 indirection 64 about pivot axis 68 moves the linkages 58, 60 which in turnmoves the clutches 54, 56 from their engaged position to theirdisengaged position. The handle 52 of the position adjustment mechanism48 is positioned adjacent to handle 46 of foot support 22, 24 so that acaregiver may simultaneously grab both handles 46, 52 to disengageclutches 54, 56 and move foot support 22, 24 in directions 28, 30, 34,36 about axes 26, 32.

[0041] Each of these clutches 54, 56 include a clamp 70 and a rod 72that extends through clamp 70 as shown in FIG. 4. The clamp 70 ismovable between an engaged position wherein the clamp 70 interacts withthe rod 72 to prevent the rod 72 from moving through the clamp 70 and adisengaged position wherein the rod 72 is permitted to move through theclamp 70. Thus, the rod 72 is movable relative to the clamp 70 when theclamp 70 is in its disengaged position.

[0042] To permit movement of the foot support 24, 26 in directions 28,30 about vertical axis 26, the clamp 70 of first clutch 54 is coupled toframe 12 and the rod 72 of first clutch 54 is coupled to the first framesection 38 of foot support 24, 26. The first frame section 38 of eachfoot support 24, 26 includes a rod support 74 and an end of the rod 72of first clutch 54 is pivotally coupled to rod support 74.

[0043] The clamp 70 of first clutch 54 is coupled to frame 12 byportions of foot support 22, 24 that are fixed to frame 12. These fixedportions of foot support 22, 24 include a bushing 76 and a clamp support78 coupled to bushing 76. The frame 12 of bed 10 includes a post 80 thatextends vertically upward through an aperture 82 formed in bushing 76 asshown in FIGS. 1-5. The foot support 22, 24 rotates about this post 80and thus post 80 defines vertical axis 26. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5,the bushing 76 includes a keyway or slot 84 and the post 80 includes akey 86 that is positioned in slot 84 to fix the rotational position ofthe bushing 76 and clamp support 78 relative to the frame 12. The clamp70 is pivotally coupled to clamp support 78 to permit pivoting of theclamp 70 relative to frame 12.

[0044] When the first clutch 54 is in the engaged position, the footpanel 44 is prevented from rotating in directions 28, 30 about verticalaxis 26 defined by post 80. This rotation is prevented because theposition of the rod 72 is fixed relative to the position of the clamp70. To move the foot panel 44 about vertical axis 26, the first clutch54 is moved to its disengaged position so the rod 72 and thus allportions of foot support 22, 24 other than bushing 76 and clamp support78 are permitted to move relative to the clamp 70 and frame 12. When thefirst clutch 54 is in its disengaged position and the user moves footsupport 22, 24 about vertical axis 26 in directions 28, 30, the rod 72travels through and relative to clamp 70 along an axial path. The clamp70 is rotatably coupled to clamp support 78 to pivot about a verticalaxis 88 that is parallel to vertical axis 26 defined by post 80. Whenthe first clutch 54 is disengaged and the caregiver moves foot support22, 24 about vertical axis 26 in directions 28, 30, the clamp 70 rotatesabout this vertical axis 88 to permit the rod 72 to rotate and travelaxially through clamp 70.

[0045] The second clutch 56 is similarly movable between an engagedposition and a disengaged position to prevent or permit, respectively,relative movement of the first and second frame sections 38, 40 indirections 34, 36 about horizontal axis 32 as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.Similar to the arrangement of the first clutch 54, the second clutch 56has its rod 72 coupled to the first frame section 38 and its clamp 70coupled to the second frame section 40. The first frame section 38includes a rod support 90 pivotally coupled to rod 72 of second clutch56 and the second frame section 40 includes a clamp support 91 pivotallycoupled to clamp 70 of second clutch 56. A pivot pin 92 pivotallycouples an end of rod 72 to rod support 90 so that rod 72 may pivotabout a pivot axis 94 defined by pivot pin 92. When the second clutch 56is in its disengaged position, the rod 72 is movable through the clamp70 to permit the second frame section 40 to rotate in directions 34, 36about horizontal axis 32 relative to first frame section 38 and when theclutch 56 is in its engaged position, this movement is not permitted.The rod 72 travels axially through and relative to clamp 70 and pivotsabout a pivot axis 94 as the second frame section 40 is rotated abouthorizontal axis 32.

[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second clutches 54,56 are Mec-Lok™ clutches available from P.L. Porter Controls, Inc. ofWoodland Hills, Calif. In alternative embodiments, other types ofdevices such as a key/slot device can be used to permit and preventmovement of the foot panel relative to the frame. In the illustratedembodiment, the linkages 58, 60 are wires that transfer the rotationalmotion of handle 46 to clutches 54, 56. In alternative embodiments,other types of linkages can be used including gears, mechanical links,electrical line for electrical signals, fiber-optic line for opticsignals, etc.

[0047] The spring 62 is configured to assist the caregiver in moving thesecond frame section 40 upwardly in direction 34 about horizontal axis32. Thus, when the cargeiver moves handle 52 to disengage second clutch56, the spring 62 biases the second frame section 40 upwardly indirection 34. This biasing force provided by the spring 62 compensatesfor the weight of the second frame section 40 and any force or weightgenerated by a patient's foot positioned in foot support 22, 24. Whenthe caregiver lowers the foot support 22, 24 in direction 36, thecaregiver must move the foot support 22, 24 against the biasing force ofthe spring 62. However, the caregiver is assisted in moving against thebiasing force by the weight of the second frame section 40 and possiblya force and/or weight from a patient's foot.

[0048] In the illustrated embodiment, the spring 62 is a gas springhaving a cylinder 96 pivotally coupled to second frame section 40 and apiston 98 pivotally coupled to first frame section 38 as shown in FIGS.4 and 5. The gas spring 62 is configured to bias piston 98 away fromcylinder 96 in direction 110 to assist the caregiver in raising secondframe section 40 as discussed above. In alternative embodiments otherdevices such as a coil spring can be used to assist a caregiver inraising the second frame section relative to the first frame section.

[0049] Referring further to FIG. 3, the flexible housing section 42includes a bellows portion 112 extending between the first and secondframe sections 38, 40 and a cover portion 114 that covers the firstframe section 38. When second frame section 40 is moved relative tofirst frame section 38, the flexible housing section 42 expands andcontracts to maintain a continuous housing for the clutches 54, 56,spring 62, and linkages 58, 60. The flexible housing section 42cooperates with the first and second frame sections 38, 40 to prevent orat least minimize substances from coming into contact with for theclutches 54, 56, spring 62, and linkages 58, 60.

[0050] The hospital bed 10 further includes a light assembly 120 coupledto foot support 22 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The light assembly 120includes a base bracket 122, a light source 124, an arm 126 extendingbetween base bracket 122 and light source 124, and a power cord 128. Thebase bracket 122 includes a base 130 and arm coupler 132 that receivesand holds arm 126. The base 130 includes first and second apertures 134,136 and is coupled to a second frame section 40 of foot support 22 byscrews or couplers 138 extending through apertures 134, 136 as shown inFIGS. 3 and 8. These same screws 138 couple handle 46 to second framesection 40. To install bracket 122, the screws 138 are removed, thebracket 122 is positioned between handle 46 and second frame section 40,and the screws 138 are threaded through handle 46 and apertures 134, 136of bracket 122 and into second frame section 40. In alternativeembodiments, the base 130 includes first and second slots (not shown)and the bracket 122 is installed by loosening the screws 138 instead ofremoving the screws 138, sliding the bracket 122 between the handle 46and second frame section 40 so that the screws 138 are received in theslots, and then tightening the screws 138.

[0051] Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9, the arm coupler 132 of bracket122 is C-shaped and includes spaced-apart end surfaces 140, 142, asubstantially circular-shaped outer surface 144 extending between endsurfaces 140, 142, and seven distinct, separate inner surfaces 146, 148,150, 152, 154, 156, 158 extending between end surfaces 140, 142. Five ofthe inner surfaces 146, 148, 150, 152, 154 define a hexagonal-shapedopening 160 in which arm 126 is placed to couple arm 126 to bracket 122.The arm 126 includes a hexagonal-shaped member 162 that is sized andshaped to extend into, be positioned within, and mate withhexagonal-shaped opening 160 of bracket 122 to couple arm 126 andbracket 122 as shown in FIGS. 3, 8 and 9. The other two inner surfaces156, 158 define a slot 164 that communicates with hexagonal-shapedopening 160. In the illustrated embodiment, both the slot 164 andhexagonal-shaped opening 160 extend from end surface 140 to end surface142. In alternative embodiments, the arm coupler 132 may define anopening having any shape and the arm 126 may include a member sized andshaped to be positioned within the opening to couple the arm 126 andbracket 122. In other alternative embodiments, the arm coupler 132 maybe any structure that receives and holds the arm 126. For example, thearm coupler 132 may include resilient first and second portions that aremovable relative to each other and that cooperate to define an opening.When the arm 126 is positioned in the opening, the first and secondportions initially expand to receive the arm 126 and then compress thearm 126 to couple the arm 126 to the bracket 122.

[0052] With reference to FIGS. 3 and 10, the light source 124 includes alight 166, a light housing 168, a handle 170 coupled to the housing 168,and a power switch 172 coupled to housing 168. In the illustratedembodiment, the arm 126 includes a flexible link or portion 174 and auniversal joint 176 coupling the light housing 168 to the flexibleportion 174. The flexible portion 174 and universal joint 176 permit acaregiver to grab handle 170 of light source 124 and move the lightsource 124 to a desired position and orientation. The combination of theflexible portion 174 and universal joint 176 gives the arm 126 sixdegrees of freedom. In alternative embodiments, the arm may include anynumber of rigid and flexible links, joints, etc. to provide the arm withany number of degrees of freedom so that the light source may bepositioned in a desired location and/or orientation.

[0053] The power cord 128 includes a power line 178 having a first end(not shown) coupled to light source 124 and a second end 180 and acoupler or plug 182 coupled to second end 180 of power line 178. Thepower line 178 extends from light source 124, through arm 126 andbracket 122, to coupler 182. When the arm 126 is coupled to bracket 122,the hexagonal-shaped member 162 of arm 126 is positioned inhexagonal-shaped opening 160 formed in the bracket 122 and the powerline 178 is pushed through the slot 164 formed in bracket 122 so thatthe power line 178 extends through the hexagonal-shaped opening 160defined in arm coupler 132 of bracket 122.

[0054] The hospital bed 10 further includes a power supply 184 coupledto seat portion 16 of bed 10 as shown in FIG. 3. The coupler or plug 182of power cord 128 is plugged into this power supply 184 to provide powerto light source 124. In the preferred embodiment, the power supply 184includes a housing 186 and a jack (not shown) within the housing 186. Inalternative embodiments, the plug of the power cord may be connected toother sources of power including those remote from the bed 10.

[0055] When the light assembly 120 is not in use, the caregiver maystore the light assembly 120 within a storage area 187 positioned on theunderside of the removable foot section 20 of bed 10. The foot section20 includes an upper surface 188 that faces upwardly toward a patientlying on foot section 20, a lower or storage surface 190 facingdownwardly away from the patient, and retaining members, such as clipsor couplers 192, coupled to the lower surface 190. The clips 192 areconfigured to releasably receive and hold arm 126 of light assembly 120.In the illustrated embodiment, the couplers 192 are resilient clips thatsnap over arm 126 of light assembly 120. The clips 192 may compriseopposing first and second arms 194 and 196 separated by an opening orslot 198. In operation, the arm 126 of light assembly 120 passes throughthe slot 198 and is releasably retained by the arms 194 and 196. Itshould be readily apparent that in alternative embodiments, the lightassembly 120 may be releasably coupled to foot section by otherretaining members. For example, the light source 120 may be coupled tothe foot section 20 by a single clip, one or more hook and loopfasteners, one or more clamps, or a combination of conventionalretaining members.

[0056] An alternative embodiment hospital bed 10′ is illustrated in FIG.11 as including a frame 12 supporting a patient support. The patientsupport includes a head portion 14, a seat portion 16, and a footportion 18. The foot portion 18 includes a foot section 20, footsupports 22, 24, and calf supports 226, 228 as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12.In the illustrated embodiment, the hospital bed 10′ is a birthing bed,and foot section 20 is selectively removable from the remainder ofhospital bed 10′ to provide access to a patient on bed 10′ as shown inFIG. 12. When the foot section 20 is coupled to the remainder of bed10′, the foot supports 22, 24 and calf supports 226, 228 are positionedunder or below foot section 20 as shown in FIG. 11. Removal of the footsection 20 exposes the foot supports 22, 24 and calf supports 226, 228as shown in FIG. 12.

[0057] The foot supports 22, 24 are movable about a substantiallyvertical axis 26 in directions 28, 30 and a substantially horizontalaxis 32 in directions 34, 36, as shown in FIG. 13, so that the footsupports 22, 24 may be placed in a desired position. The foot supports22, 24 are identical to those described above in detail with respect toFIGS. 1-7.

[0058] The calf supports 226, 228 are coupled to one of the laterallyspaced opposing side edges 227 and 229 of the foot supports 22, 24,respectively (FIGS. 14 and 16). A longitudinal axis 231 of each footsupport 22, 24 is defined intermediate the side edges 227 and 229. Assuch, the calf supports 226 and 228 move with and relative to footsupports 22, 24, respectively. As shown in FIG. 13, the calf supports226, 228 move with the foot supports 22, 24 as the foot supports 22, 24are moved about the vertical and horizontal axes 26, 32. In addition,the calf supports 226, 228 are movable relative to the foot supports 22,24 between a storage position shown in FIG. 13 and a use position shownin FIG. 18.

[0059] Each calf support 226, 228 includes a foot support coupler 242,an arm 244, a calf holder 246, and a calf holder coupler 248 positionedbetween calf holder 246 and arm 244 as shown in FIG. 14. The footsupport coupler 242 includes a body 250 coupled to foot support 222,224, a detent 252, and a rod 254 as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15. The body250 includes a first aperture 256 sized to receive arm 244, a secondaperture 258 sized to receive rod 254, and a third aperture 260 sized toreceive the detent 252. The arm 244 includes a first end 262 coupled tofoot support coupler 242, a second end 264 coupled to coupler 248, and acentral portion 266 extending between the first and second ends 262,264. The first end 262 of arm 244 includes a collar 268 that defines acollar aperture 270. Arm 244 and rod 254 each include a set screwaperture 272, 274 and the foot support coupler 242 further includes aset screw 276 as shown in FIG. 15.

[0060] The collar 268, rod 254, and set screw 276 cooperate to couplearm 244 and foot support coupler 242. Collar 268 of arm 244 ispositioned in first aperture 256 of body 250 and rod 254 is positionedin second aperture 258 of body 250 and collar aperture 270 of arm 244.The set screw 276 is positioned in set screw apertures 272, 274 ofcollar 268 and rod 254, respectively, to couple arm 244 to rod 254. Theset screw aperture 274 of rod 254 is defined by generally conical-shapedsidewalls 278 and the end of set screw 276 that engages theconical-shaped sidewalls 278 of rod 254 is tapered.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 14, the arm 244 and calf holder 246 of calfsupports 226, 228 are movable relative to foot supports 22, 24 about anaxis 280 in directions 282, 284 between a storage position, as shown inphantom lines, and a use position, as shown in solid lines. The axis 280is disposed substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 231 of therespective foot support 22, 24. The detent 252 interacts with rod 254 tocontrol movement of the rod 254, arm 244, and calf holder 246 about axis280 which is defined by rod 254. The rod 254 includes spaced-apart firstand second apertures 286, 288 that interact with detent 252. The arm 244is locked in position relative to foot support coupler 242 in thestorage and use positions by the interaction of detent 252 and theapertures 286, 288 in the rod 254 of arm 244. The detent 252 is biasedtoward the rod 254 so that when one of the apertures 286, 288 of the rod254 are aligned with the detent 252, a portion of the detent 252 extendsinto the aperture 286, 288 to secure the position of the rod 254, arm244, and calf holder 246 relative to foot support 22, 24. When the arm244 is in the storage position, aperture 286 is aligned with the detent252 to permit the rod 254, arm 244, and calf holder 246 to be secured inthe storage position and, similarly, when the arm 244 is in the useposition, aperture 288 is aligned with the detent 252 to permit the rod254, arm 244, and calf holder 246 to be secured in the use position.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 15, the detent 252 includes a pin 290, a spring292, a cap 294, a handle 296, and a housing 298. The housing 298 ispositioned in third aperture 260 of body 250 of foot support coupler 242and includes a threaded inner surface 310 which defines an interiorregion 312. The pin 290 and spring 292 are positioned and held in theinterior region 312 of housing 298 by cap 294. The cap 294 includes athreaded projection 314 that extends into and engages the threaded innersurface 310 of housing 298 and a flange 316 that abuts the housing 298.

[0063] Pin 290 is the portion of detent 252 that extends into apertures286, 288 to secure the position of rod 254, arm 244, and calf holder 246relative to foot support 22, 24. The spring 292 biases the pin 290toward rod 254 to force pin 290 into apertures 286, 288 and maintains apositive locking relationship when pin 290 is aligned with one of theapertures 286, 288. The pin 290 includes a rod 318 and a head 320coupled to rod 318. The head 320 includes a larger diameter compared torod 318 and extends into the apertures 286, 288 to lock the position ofrod 254, arm 244, and calf holder 246 relative to foot support 22, 24.The rod 318 extends through spring 292 and cap 294 and is coupled tohandle 296. The spring 292 includes a first end 322 that abuts the head320 of rod 318 and a second end 324 that abuts flange 316 of cap 294.Because the pin 290 is only fixed to handle 296 and the position of cap294 is fixed relative to foot supports 222, 224, the spring 292 biasesthe head 320 of pin 290 toward rod 254.

[0064] To move the rod 254, arm 244, and calf holder 246 about axis 280,a caregiver pulls handle 296 of detent 252 outwardly in direction 326until head 320 of pin 290 is no longer positioned in an aperture 286,288 of rod 254 of arm 244. This movement of handle 296 in direction 326compresses spring 292. When pin 290 no longer locks rod 254, a caregivermay rotate arm 244 toward the desired position. While rotating arm 244,the caregiver releases handle 296 so that spring 292 biases pin 290toward rod 254 to position head 320 of pin 290 adjacent to rod 254 andcontinues rotating arm 244 until head 320 of pin 290 “finds”, or isseated, and extends into the other aperture 286, 288 to lock arm 244 andcalf holder 246 relative to foot support 22, 24 in the desired position.In alternative embodiments, more than two apertures may be provided onthe rod 254 to provide additional positions where the arm 244 and calfholder 246 may be secured relative to the foot support 22, 24. In otheralternative embodiments, the arm 244 may be coupled to the foot supports22, 24 by other conventional mechanisms.

[0065] The calf holder 246 includes a dish 328 that is adapted toreceive and support a patient's calf and a rod 330 coupled to dish 328as shown in FIG. 6. The dish 328 includes a curved calf support surface332 on which the patient's calf lies when being supported by calfsupport 226, 228. In preferred embodiments, a pad (not shown) is placedon calf support surface 332 of dish 328.

[0066] Coupler 248 permits the calf holder 246 to move relative to arm244 and foot supports 22, 24 between a storage position, shown inphantom lines in FIG. 16, and a use position, shown in solid lines inFIG. 16. In the use position, the calf support surface 332 is placed ina position to abut and support a patient's calf.

[0067] In the illustrated embodiment, the dish 328 and thus the calfsupport surface 332 can be placed in an infinite number of positionsbecause the coupler 248 is a universal or ball joint-type coupler. Thecoupler 248 includes a sleeve 334, a ball 336 positioned in sleeve 334,and a lock 338 as shown in FIG. 17. One portion of the coupler 248, ball336, is coupled to the rod 330 of calf holder 246 and another portion ofcoupler 248, sleeve 334, is coupled to second end 264 of arm 244.

[0068] The lock 338 is movable between a locked position wherein thepositions of the ball 336 and sleeve 334 are fixed relative to eachother and an unlocked position wherein the ball 336 is permitted to moverelative to sleeve 334. When the lock 338 is in the locked position, thecalf holder 246 is fixed relative to arm 244 and when the lock 338 is inthe unlocked position, the calf holder 246 is permitted to move relativeto arm 244.

[0069] The lock 338 includes a threaded stud 340, a cap 342 coupled tosleeve 334, and a handle 344 coupled to stud 340. The cap 342 includes athreaded aperture 346 and the stud 340 is configured to pass throughaperture 346 in cap 342 as stud 340 is threaded in and out of aperture346. The stud 340 includes a surface 348 that faces toward ball 336 andis configured to engage and force ball 336 into contact with sleeve 334.

[0070] The sleeve 334 includes a curved surface 350 which abuts ball 336when ball 336 is forced into contact with sleeve 334 by lock 338. In thelocked position, the threaded stud 340 of lock 338 presses ball 336 intocontact with curved surface 350 of sleeve 334 so that ball 336 does notmove relative to sleeve 334 when a caregiver attempts to move calfholder 246 relative to arm 244. In the unlocked position, the threadedstud 340 is in a position where the ball 336 is permitted to moverelative to sleeve 334 and thus a caregiver may move calf holder 246relative to arm 244. In alternative embodiments, the sleeve 334 includesa conical-shaped surface which the ball 336 abuts when the lock 338 isin the locked position.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 14, the central portion 266 of arm 244 is shapedto permit the calf holder 246 and arm 244 to be tucked or positionedbelow foot support 22, 24 when calf support 226, 228 is not needed andalso permit the dish 328 to be positioned to receive a patient's calfwhen the calf support 226, 228 is needed. The central portion 266 of arm244 includes spaced-apart first and second surfaces 352, 354 andspaced-apart third and fourth surfaces 356, 358 that each extend betweenthe first and second surfaces 352, 354. Each of the surfaces 352, 354,356, 358 are curved between the first and second ends 262, 264 of arm244. The first and second surfaces 352, 354 are parallel and are curvedso that the first surface 352 includes a radius that is larger than aradius of the second surface 354. The third and fourth surfaces 356, 358are parallel and are curved to provide access to detent 252.

[0072] The calf supports 226, 228 are movable from a storage positionunder or below foot section 20 and foot supports 22, 24, respectively,as shown in FIG. 11, to a use position as shown in FIG. 18. To place thecalf supports 226, 228 in the use position, the foot section 20 isremoved, as shown in FIG. 12, and the foot supports 22, 24 are rotatedabout vertical and horizontal axes 26, 32, as shown in FIG. 13. Next,foot support couplers 242 are used to permit arms 244 and calf holders246 of calf supports 226, 228 to move about axis 280, as shown in FIG.14, from the position shown in phantom lines to the position shown insolid lines. Then, as shown in FIG. 16, couplers 248 are used to permitcalf holders 246 to be moved from the position shown in phantom lines tothe position shown in solid lines. The position of calf holders 246 intheir use position can be adjusted by (1) rotating foot supports 22, 24about vertical axis 26, (2) rotating foot supports 22, 24 abouthorizontal axis 32, (3) rotating arm 244 about axis 280, and (4)adjusting coupler 248 that sets the position of calf holder 246 relativeto arm 244. The position of foot supports 22, 24 shown in FIGS. 13 and18 is the preferred position to place foot supports 22, 24 when the calfsupports 226, 228 are in their use position. However, the position ofthe foot supports 22, 24 can be adjusted to adjust the position of thecalf supports 226, 228 in their use position.

[0073] An alternative embodiment foot support coupler 450 and arm 452 isshown in FIG. 19. This foot support coupler 450 and arm 452 are part ofan alternative embodiment calf support 448 that also includes a calfholder and coupler that are identical to the calf holder 246 and coupler248 of calf supports 226, 228. The foot support coupler 450 is coupledto foot support 22, 24 and includes a body 454, a sleeve 456, and adetent 458 that is identical to detent 252 of calf supports 226, 228.

[0074] The arm 452 includes a head 460 and a rod 462 that is coupled tohead 460 and positioned in sleeve 456 of foot support coupler 450.Except for head 460 and rod 462, all other portions of arm 452 areidentical to arm 244 of calf supports 226, 228. The rod 462 includesfirst and second apertures 464, 466 that cooperate with detent 458 tolock the arm 452 relative to the foot support 22, 24 in a storageposition and a use position. In alternative embodiments, the rod 462 mayinclude additional apertures to provide additional positions wherein thearm 452 may be locked relative to the foot support 22, 24.

[0075] As discussed above for detent 252, a portion of detent 458 isspring-biased to extend in apertures 464, 466 to lock the arm 452relative to the foot support 22, 24 in the storage and use positions,respectively. When the detent 458 is not aligned with apertures 464, 466to lock the arm 452 relative to the foot support 22, 24, a caregiver may(1) rotate the arm 452 about an axis 468 relative to the foot support22, 24 to move the arm 452 between the storage and use positions or (2)slide the rod 462 out of the sleeve 456 of foot support coupler 450 toremove the arm 452, calf holder 246, and coupler 248 from the footsupport coupler 450 and foot support 22, 24.

[0076] The patient support 10′ further includes a support surface 360,an actuator 362, and a release system or CPR release 364, as shown inFIG. 20. The support surface 360 extends over the head, seat, and footportions 14, 16, 18 of the patient support 10′ as shown in FIG. 1. Inthe illustrated embodiment, these head, seat, and foot portions 14, 16,18 of support surface 360 are movable relative to each other.

[0077] Actuator 362 moves the head portion 14 of support surface 360between a raised position wherein head portion 14 of support surface 360is raised relative to seat portion 16 of support surface 360, as shownin FIGS. 11, 12, and 20, and a lowered position wherein the head andseat portions 14, 16 of support surface 360 lie in substantially thesame plane or the head portion 14 of support surface 360 is in a lowerposition relative to seat portion 16 of support surface 360. Theactuator 362 is operated to move the head portion 14 of support surface360 between its raised and lowered positions by controls (not shown)accessible to the patient and/or caregiver. The actuator 362 is coupledintermediate the head portions 14 of frame 12 and support surface 360 ofthe patient support 10′. The actuator 362 moves the head portion 14 ofsupport surface 360 between its raised and lowered positions by rotatinghead portion 14 of support surface 360 about an axis 361 as shown inFIG. 20.

[0078] The head portion 14 of support surface 360 may be maintained in araised position. When the actuator 362 maintains the head portion 14 ofsupport surface 360 in a raised position, the actuator 362 maintains aforce on head portion 14 of support surface 360. In the illustratedembodiment, the actuator is a Linak™ brand actuator, model no.LA3452H+1X15904X available from Linak of Louisville, Ky.

[0079] The release system 364 interacts with the actuator 362 to provideanother mechanism (in addition to the controls discussed above) to lowerthe head portion 14 of support surface 360. As shown in FIG. 20, therelease system 364 includes an actuator coupler 366, first and secondhandles 368, 370, first and second cables 372, 374 extending between theactuator coupler 366 and first and second handles 368, 370,respectively, and first and second springs 376, 378. As shown in FIG.21, the actuator 362 includes a release switch 380 and the actuatorcoupler 366 is coupled to this release switch 380. Actuation of thisswitch 380 releases the force exerted by actuator 362 on head portion 14of support surface 360 so that head portion 14 may move from its raisedposition to its lowered position.

[0080] The first and second handles 368, 370 are positioned on oppositessides of patient support 10 as shown in FIG. 20. The first cable 372extends from the first handle 368 to the actuator coupler 366 and thesecond cable 374 extends from the second handle 370 to the actuatorcoupler 366. Each of cables 372, 374 includes a sheath 382 and a wire384 that extends through sheath 382.

[0081] The actuator coupler 366 includes a release switch/cable coupler386, a cable guide 388, and first and second cable guide couplers 390,392, as shown in FIG. 21. The release switch/cable coupler 386 and cableguide 388 are separate parts that move relative to each other.

[0082] The cable guide 388 permits the wire 384 to pass through thecable guide 388 to the release switch/cable coupler 386 while notpermitting the sheath 382 to move past the cable guide 388 towardswitch/cable coupler 386. The cable guide 388 includes a body 394 andfirst, second, and third projections 396, 398, 410 coupled to body 394.The projections 396, 398, 410 define openings 412, 414 that are sized toreceive wires 384 but not sheaths 382 of first and second cables 372,374. Thus, wires 384 are permitted to pass through openings 412, 414while the sheaths 382 are not permitted to pass through openings 412,414.

[0083] The cable guide 388 is coupled to actuator 362 by first andsecond cable guide couplers 390, 392. In the illustrated embodiment, thecable guide couplers 390, 392 are plastic ties that wrap around theactuator 362 and body 394 of cable guide 388 as shown in FIG. 21.

[0084] The release switch/cable coupler 386 includes a body 416, first,second, and third projections 418, 420, 422 coupled to body 416, anaperture 424, and a coupler 426. The projections 418, 420, 422 definefirst and second openings 428, 430 through which the wire 384 of firstand second cables 372, 374 extend. Each of the first and second cables372, 374 further includes an enlarged end 432 coupled to the end of thewire 384 to secure the wire 384 to the actuator coupler 366. Theenlarged end 432 of first cable 372 abuts and is positioned between body416 and first and second projections 418, 420 to secure first cable 372to actuator coupler 366 and, similarly, the enlarged end 432 of secondcable 374 abuts and is positioned between body 416 and second and thirdprojections 420, 422 to secure second cable 374 to actuator coupler 366.The release switch 380 extends through aperture 424 as shown in FIG. 21.The coupler 426 is coupled to release switch 380 and abuts body 416 tocouple release switch 380 to switch/cable coupler 386 so that releaseswitch 380 moves with switch/cable coupler 386.

[0085] When either of the handles 368, 370 are moved in direction 434 asillustrated in FIG. 11, one of the cables 372, 374 transfers thismovement to switch/cable coupler 186 of actuator coupler 166 and releaseswitch 380 of actuator 362. This movement actuates the release switch380 so that the actuator 362 releases its force on head portion 14 ofsupport surface 360 and head portion 14 of support surface 360 can movefrom its raised position to its lowered position. When the handle 368,370 is released, the release switch 180 of actuator 362 is spring biasedto return the cable 372, 374 and handle 368, 370 to their originalpositions as shown in FIG. 20.

[0086] The first and second springs 376, 378 assist in the movement ofthe head portion 14 of support surface 360 from its raised position toits lowered position. The first spring 376 is biased to dampen or slowmovement of the head portion 14 of support surface 360 as it is movedfrom its raised position to its lowered position. The second spring 378is biased to push the head portion 14 of support surface 360 downwardlyfrom its raised position toward its lowered position. In the illustratedembodiment, the first and second springs 376, 378 are gas springs. Inalternative embodiments, the springs 376, 378 may be any type ofmechanism which provides the required biasing force, such as coilsprings.

[0087] The release system 364 may be used in the event that a patient onsupport surface 360 of hospital bed 10 goes into cardiac arrest torapidly lower the head portion 14 of patient support 360. In preferredembodiments, the release system 364 lowers the head portion 14 ofpatient support 360 quicker than the other controls discussed above.

[0088] Although the invention has been described in detail withreference to preferred embodiments, variations and modifications existwithin the scope and spirit of the invention as described and defined inthe following claims.

1. A bed comprising: a frame, a patient support supported by the frame,the patient support including a head portion, a foot portion spacedapart from the head portion, and a seat portion positioned intermediatethe head portion and the foot portion, and a light assembly coupled tothe foot portion.
 2. The patient support of claim 1, wherein the lightassembly includes a bracket coupled to the foot portion, a light source,and an arm extending between the bracket and the light source.
 3. Thepatient support of claim 2, wherein the bracket includes ahexagonal-shaped opening and the arm includes a hexagonal-shaped memberconfigured to be releasably received within the hexagonal-shapedopening.
 4. The patient support of claim 2, wherein the arm includes aflexible portion.
 5. The patient support of claim 2, wherein the lightsource further includes a light, a housing receiving the light, and auniversal joint connects the housing with the arm.
 6. The patientsupport of claim 1, wherein the foot portion includes at least one footsupport configured for movement relative to the frame, and the lightsource is releasably coupled to the at least one foot support.
 7. Thepatient support of claim 6, further comprising a calf support configuredfor movement relative to the at least one foot support.
 8. The patientsupport of claim 6, wherein the at least one foot support is configuredfor a first movement about a substantially vertical axis and a secondmovement about a substantially horizontal axis.
 9. The patient supportof claim 6, wherein the foot portion includes a patient support surface,a storage surface spaced apart from the patient support surface, and aretainer supported by the storage surface for releasably securing thelight source to the foot portion.
 10. The patient support of claim 6,wherein the foot portion includes a removable foot section, and aretainer supported by the removable foot section for releasably securingthe light source thereto.
 11. The patient support of claim 9, whereinthe light source includes a light and an arm supporting the light, andthe retainer includes a resilient clip configured to releasably securethe arm.
 12. A patient support comprising: a patient support surfacefacing upwardly toward a patient, a storage surface in spaced relationto the patient support surface, at least one retainer connected to thestorage surface, a light source configured to be moved between a useposition and a storage position, wherein the use position is definedwhen the light source is positioned to provide light for a caregiver andthe storage position is defined when the light source is retained by theretainer, and a bracket releasably receiving the light source when inthe use position.
 13. The patient support of claim 12, wherein the lightsource includes a light and an arm supporting the light, and theretainer includes a resilient clip configured to releasably secure thearm.
 14. The patient support of claim 12, wherein the patient supportincludes a head portion and a foot portion spaced apart from the headportion, and the patient support surface and the storage surface aredefined by the foot portion.
 15. The patient support of claim 14,wherein the bracket is supported by the foot portion, the light sourceincluding an arm adapted to be releasably supported by the bracket. 16.The patient support of claim 14, further comprising a frame configuredto support the patient support surface, wherein the foot portionincludes at least one foot support configured for movement relative tothe frame, and the light source is releasably coupled to the at leastone foot support.
 17. The patient support of claim 14, wherein the footportion includes a removable foot section, the at least one retainersupported by the removable foot section.
 18. A bed comprising: a frame,a patient support supported by the frame, the patient support includinga head portion, a foot portion positioned in spaced relation to the headportion, and a seat portion positioned intermediate the head portion andthe foot portion, the foot portion including a foot support having firstand second frame sections, a foot panel coupled to the second framesection, and a position adjustment mechanism operably connecting thefoot panel and the frame, the foot support configured for a firstmovement about a substantially vertical axis and a second movement abouta substantially horizontal axis; and the position adjustment mechanismincluding a first clutch having an engaged position wherein the firstmovement of the foot support about the substantially vertical axis isprevented, and a second clutch having an engaged position wherein thesecond movement of the foot support about the substantially horizontalaxis is prevented.
 19. The patient support of claim 18, furthercomprising a spring for biasing the second frame section of the footsupport upwardly about the substantially horizontal axis.
 20. Thepatient support of claim 18, wherein the first and second clutches eachinclude a clamp and a rod extending through the clamp, wherein in theengaged position the rod is fixed relative to the clamp.
 21. The patientsupport of claim 18, wherein the position adjustment mechanism furtherincludes a handle, a first linkage extending between the handle and thefirst clutch, and a second linkage extending between the handle and thesecond clutch.
 22. The patient support of claim 21, wherein the handleis configured to rotate about a pivot axis thereby causing the first andsecond linkages to move the first and second clutches from the engagedposition to a disengaged position.
 23. The patient support of claim 22,further comprising a calf support configured for movement relative tothe foot support.
 24. A patient support comprising: a head portion, afoot portion spaced apart from the head portion, the foot portionincluding at least one foot support having opposing side edges and alongitudinal axis extending between the side edges, a calf supportconfigured for movement relative to the foot support, the calf supportincluding a foot support coupler defining a pivot axis, an arm supportedfor rotation about the pivot axis, and a calf holder supported by thearm, and wherein the longitudinal axis of the at least one foot supportis substantially parallel to the pivot axis of the foot support coupler.25. The patient support of claim 24, wherein the foot support coupler issupported by one of the opposing side edges of the at least one footsupport.
 26. The patient support of claim 24, further comprising a calfholder coupler connecting the arm and the calf holder.
 27. The patientsupport of claim 26, wherein the calf holder coupler includes a sleeve,a ball positioned within the sleeve, and a lock operable connected tothe ball.
 28. The patient support of claim 24, wherein the foot supportcoupler includes: a body including an aperture coupled to the at leastone foot support, a rod secured to the arm and supported for rotationwithin the aperture of the body, and a detent configured to secure therotational position of the rod relative to the foot support.
 29. Thepatient support of claim 24, wherein the calf support is moveable from astorage position below the foot support to a use position in spacedrelation to the storage position.
 30. A patient support comprising: asupport surface, an actuator coupled to the support surface to move atleast a portion of the support surface between a raised position and alowered position, the actuator including a release, and a releasemechanism coupled to the actuator, the release mechanism including ahandle, an actuator coupler coupled to the release of the actuator, anda cable coupled to the handle and the actuator coupler.
 31. The patientsupport of claim 30, wherein the actuator coupler includes a body andfirst and second projections coupled to the body, the first and secondprojections define an opening to receive the cable.
 32. The patientsupport of claim 31, wherein the actuator coupler further includes cableguide and the cable includes a wire and a sheath surrounding the wire,the cable guide being configured to separate the sheath from the firstand second projections.
 33. The patient support of claim 30, wherein thesupport surface includes a perimeter and the handle is positionedadjacent to the perimeter of the support surface.
 34. The patientsupport surface of claim 33, wherein the perimeter of the supportsurface includes spaced-apart end surfaces and spaced-apart sidesurfaces extending between the spaced-apart end surfaces and the handleis positioned adjacent to one of the spaced-apart side surfaces.
 35. Thepatient support of claim 30, wherein the release mechanism furtherincludes a second handle, and a second cable coupled to the secondhandle and the actuator coupler.
 36. The patient support of claim 35,wherein the support surface includes a perimeter and the first andsecond handles are positioned adjacent to the perimeter of the supportsurface.
 37. The patient support surface of claim 36, wherein theperimeter of the support surface includes spaced-apart first and secondend surfaces and spaced-apart first and second side surfaces extendingbetween the spaced-apart first and second end surfaces and the firsthandle is positioned adjacent to the first side surface and the secondhandle is positioned adjacent to the second side surface.